Since the mid-1980s, Oneonta has seen a rise in industrial manufacturing. Large industry and businesses have found Oneonta an attractive location for several reasons: we are geographically close to major markets (downstate, Pennsylvania and Canada); I-88 and I-90 make transportation of goods and raw materials to and from Oneonta easy; municipal water and sewer systems and expansive natural gas resources are easily accessible; the region provides a rural setting not far from major cities but with more affordable land and labor; lower operational costs; and more importantly, businesses find the work ethic of residents to be outstanding and well above the national averages.

Large businesses in the area include Corning, makers of laboratory glass and plastics; Astrocom Electronics, manufacturers of high tech communication equipment; Custom Electronics, builders of high voltage electronic capacitors; Medical Coaches, builders of special-purpose and mobile medical units; Mold-A-Matic, producing precision injection molding components; and FN Burt Co., manufacturing set-up boxes. One of the greatest advocates for our county's growth is the Otsego County Economic Development Department (OCDC), whose main goal is to diversify and stimulate the economy by bringing manufacturing jobs to the area. Otsego County is not yet at the same volume of manufacturing as some surrounding communities, but we have seen a steady increase in growth and jobs while others are wavering and showing decreased productivity. The Pony Farm Industrial Park is home to several companies (Allied Electric, Apple Converting, Inc, B.K. Associates Coffee, Covidien, Ericson Fired Arts, Schwan's Sales, Siemen's Medical Systems, Time Warner Cable) occupying 27 acres and providing over 200 jobs. The IDA has implemented several projects including the construction of three 20,000-24,000 square foot facilities that are currently being leased by some of these companies.

The OCDC assisted in expansion of present companies and has responded to increased inquiries by others to locate here. This is largely due to the agency's ability to work with businesses to keep them satisfied with present services and work as a conduit to State and Federal funding. The OCDC also markets the area nationally through trade journals and real estate publications.

As a result of the dedicated work of the OCDC and the continued success of businesses already located in our community, Oneonta has become the service sector hub of the county, as well as a major financial center.